28 Oct: Welcome To Harvard
The life of Harvard University – the oldest institution of higher learning in the US – officially began on 28th October, 1636 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony appropriated £400 for its construction.
It;s fair to say the first few years of Harvard’s existence were not a success, featuring whippings, poisonings, and way too little beef and beer for the students’ liking.
In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how the university got its name; look into why early students had to learn Hebrew if they wanted to graduate; and discuss why Benjamin Franklin thought all Harvard students were “blockheads”…
Further Reading:
• ‘Harvard’s History and Mission’ (Harvard University, 2022): https://hds.harvard.edu/about/history-and-mission#:~:text=After%20God%20had%20carried%20us,it%20to%20posterity%3B%20dreading%20to
• ‘A History of Harvard University’ (Best College Reviews, 2022): https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/history-behind-harvard-university/
• ‘History of Harvard University’ (American History: 2019):